Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

Chocolate gets made in the kitchen here, and you can see straight through to it. That openness sets the tone for a shop in this North Devon seaside town that also happens to run a free chocolate museum, where the history of the stuff sits alongside memorabilia and a six foot chocolate man. It is a proper working operation rather than a display case, and the people behind it clearly think about very little else.

The range covers hand crafted individual chocolates, novelties and bars in a rotating cast of flavours, from children's chocolate animals to caramel, coffee, violet and rose, plus fudge and chocolate wines. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan suitable and no added sugar ranges are all catered for, and the full range can be ordered online for posting. Family chocolate-making workshops and tutorials run for all ages, so book ahead if that is the plan.